The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically altered how people engage in outdoor recreational activities. As public health officials encouraged social distancing to slow the spread of the virus, many popular outdoor destinations were temporarily closed or had limited access. The outdoor recreation industry was severely affected by COVID-19 restrictions, particularly in Australia.
Fortunately, restrictions have begun to ease, and people are gradually regaining access to outdoor activities, with many popular hiking trails, camping sites, parks, and other recreational areas reopening. Outback Equipment, an Australian-owned outdoor gear retailer in Brisbane’s Acacia Ridge, offers expert insights into the resurgence of interest in outdoor recreational activities among Australians.
The rise in demand for outdoor activities
According to reports from Australian Events, data obtained through Google Trends suggests that interest in boating and 4x4s has increased by up to 25% in Australia compared to January 2019, indicating a growing interest in camping, fishing, caravanning, and other outdoor activities.
According to Outback Equipment’s Marketing Director Sean Fisher, one of the main drivers of this trend is the need for physical activity and a break from the monotony of life in lockdown. With gyms and other indoor exercise options closed or limited, people turned to outdoor activities as a way to stay active and maintain their mental health.
Fisher also mentions the factor of the discovery of new hobbies during the pandemic. With so many people forced to stay indoors and social distance, many Australians found themselves with more free time on their hands than they were used to. This led many to explore new activities and hobbies, including outdoor recreation.
Exploring the beauty of Australia’s landscapes
The pandemic has also led to a newfound appreciation for the beauty and diversity of Australia’s landscapes.
“Many people turned to outdoor activities to stay active and maintain their mental health,” Fisher says. “We believe everything that happened in the past two years has ignited a desire in people to have an escape from their stress and anxiety. Now, many people are seeking solace in the natural world,” he adds.
Fisher also mentions the concept of revenge travel, pertaining to the urge in many people to get out and explore once again. During the lockdowns, Australia disallowed international travel, and many citizens turned to domestic travel. As such, many Australians have a newfound appreciation for the country’s natural beauty and diversity. According to Fisher, many people rediscovered the beauty of their backyard and visited national parks, beaches, and other natural areas that they may have previously overlooked.
Providing the best adventure experience to Australians
Outback Equipment, founded by Jaime Chee and Jourdan Wong, has become the go-to destination for outdoor enthusiasts in Australia. The business has been operating for seven years, offering a wide range of outdoor accessories to customers on the East Coast.
Outback Equipment knows how important it is to help people get the most out of their outdoor adventures so it aims to provide high-quality outdoor products and customer service for adventurers of varying levels. The company offers a range of accessories for 4×4, camping, marine, and caravanning from over 250 trusted brands. With options for every need and budget from brands like Oztrail, Rhino-Rack, and Maxtrax, the company ensures customers are well-equipped for any journey.
“More than selling products, we are passionate about the outdoors and actively live the lifestyle ourselves. We even go on annual camping trips to test out the latest and greatest products before offering them to the market,” Jaime Chee, Outback Equipment Director, says.
Outback Equipment’s dedication to quality and service has made the company a reliable partner for over 500,000 outdoor enthusiasts nationwide. As Director Jourdan Wong shares, “We stand out on our commitment to offering the highest level of customer service. We aim to make laying the groundwork for your trip as easy as possible, with helpful guides, experienced customer service representatives, part finders, and much more.”
With Australians’ renewed passion for outdoor recreation amid the pandemic, the company is poised to help adventurers prepare and be fully equipped for their upcoming journeys as the world returns to normal.
